As a Student Ambassador for Study Sunshine Coast, I recently went along to an event that really sums up what studying here is like it’s not just about classes and assignments, it’s about the people you meet and the opportunities you find along the way.
The event was called Homegrown, and it brought together students like me with local business owners, industry professionals, and others who are shaping the future of the Sunshine Coast, especially around the topic of sustainability. It was hosted by Study Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce, and the vibe was super relaxed and welcoming.
Homegrown didn’t feel like a typical uni lecture or networking event. It was more like a big conversation where we got to hear directly from people doing some really inspiring work right here on the Coast. It made everything feel a lot more real and possible.
Some of the speakers we heard from included:
- Ellie McGovern – Co-founder of Project PARGO, which sells sustainable drinkware and helps provide clean water to communities that need it.
- Simon Thornalley – Managing Director of Saltwater Eco Tours, who runs eco-friendly boat tours while sharing stories about local culture and sustainability.
- Shannon Lemanski – Co-founder of Aquaubique, a start-up using aquaponics to rethink sustainable food production.
Why Events Like This Matter
For me, the best part of Homegrown was how easy it was to chat with people who are already doing the kind of work many of us are hoping to get into after we graduate. Whether you’re into business, environmental science, tourism, or creative industries, it was great to see that there are real opportunities here on the Sunshine Coast.
Events like this help students:
- Meet and talk directly with local professionals.
- Build networks that might lead to future internships or jobs.
- Learn how different industries work in real life (not just in theory).
- Get inspired and a little clearer about what career paths might look like.
About the author: Cherise Kern is a Study Sunshine Coast Student Ambassador and a Diploma of Education Studies (Primary) student at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She works full-time as a teacher aide and is passionate about supporting young learners and contributing to the Sunshine Coast community.